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Tech Talk November 9, 2023

Night Photography: A Beginner’s Guide

There’s nothing quite like looking up at a sky full of stars – but sometimes the most magical moments can make for the most difficult to catch on camera. Whether it’s in pursuit of the perfect insta-shot or simply to take us back to our favourite travel memory, here at House of Coco we’re out to capture every extraordinary experience we can. While photography can get crazily complicated, with just a few tips photographing the night sky is easier than you might think. Here’s our beginner’s guide to night photography.

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1.Switch your camera to manual mode

The settings are super important in night photography, so you’ll need to be free to be able to adjust them manually… (more on this later on).

2. Pre-focus on infinity

Without autofocus, you’ll need to manually focus your camera on the night sky. If your lens has an infinity mark, set the focus there. If you are using a lens that doesn’t have the infinity symbol, try finding a far-off light source to manually focus in on (you can also use the moon if it’s out). Try marking the infinity spot with some masking tape so it’s easier to find next time.

3. Get a tripod

For night photography, you’ll be shooting at longer shutter speeds, which means you’ll need a tripod so you don’t end up with blurry images as a result of the movement from your hands. A collapsible one will usually do the job and is easy to travel with.

4. Set your aperture as low as it goes

Aperture essentially controls the how much light is let into the lens. So for night photography, we need to use a shallow aperture (low f-stop number) in order to let more light into the lens and pick up the details of the stars in the dark (reducing the need to have to use a long exposure). How low your aperture can go will depend entirely on what lens you are using. The most common for night photography lenses is f/2.8, but up to f/4 will work. If you are trying to improve your night photography, it might be time to invest in a wide angle lens that has an aperture of f/2.8 or lower. For high-quality lenses at low prices, Samyang is your best bet.

5. Set your shutter speed

This controls the amount of time the shutter is open – the longer it is open, the more light enters the camera, but the more motion blur there will be in an image. Depending on how much light there is in your photo, you will need to adjust your shutter speed accordingly – typically between 15-30 seconds.

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6. Set your ISO

ISO is the light sensitivity of your camera’s sensor – the higher the ISO, the brighter the image, but the more noise (photographer speak for graininess) you will experience. With night photography, you’ll need to compromise on the two to get a good shot. Start with an ISO of 1600, and progress from there. If the image is too dark, you need to increase the ISO. For night images, your ISO will be between 800 and 3200. Lower end cameras can struggle with high ISO values, but you can remain at a relatively low ISO by lengthening the exposure time – which can eliminate noise but increase blurriness.

7. Take a photo and tweak

Every night scene is different, so you might find yourself having to adjust the settings. If the photo is too dark, try increasing your shutter speed. If it is still too dark, then increase your ISO. You might get some grain on the photo, but it’s all about compromise. If it is too bright, drop your ISO. If it is still too bright, then decrease your shutter speed. You can also play around with a torch to light different elements of the photo which can create a really cool effect.

8. Get out and practice

You don’t have to be in some far-flung desert destination to practice your night photography. In fact, of 11 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world, the UK has 4 – (the Brecon Beacons, Exmoor, Snowdonia and the South Downs National Parks) which are all ideal places to practice. Even in built-up areas, cityscapes can make for great long-exposure photos, complete with light trails from moving cars.

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Lifestyle November 9, 2023

East Londons Most Instagrammable Spots

If you find yourself in any of these East Londons Most Instagrammable Spots and you’re not Instagramming it, your phone must be dead. While the trendsetting East End may have lost its rougher edge in recent years, here at House of Coco, East London’s enduringly cool creative hub still has our heart. Set against a backdrop of street art, scandi-chic coffee shops, and unique independent stores – why not take inspiration from the artistic scene for your Instagram, with #TeamCoco’s guide to the most Instagrammable spots in East London……

Palm Vaults

This pretty-as-can-be cafe is more vintage Miami than Hackney – and we’re crazy about it. Think palm print wallpaper, pastel pink hues, and sumptuous velvet armchairs. Potted palms and a cascade of hanging baskets make for a trendy, tropical vibe while a zero laptop policy creates an animated atmosphere. A plant-based seasonal menu offers avo-toast and acai bowls aplenty, while candy-coloured red velvet lattes complete the perfect Insta-shot. Major #brunchgoals.

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The Barge House

Three words. Breakfast IN bread. That’s all you need to know about The Barge House – a local haunt overlooking Regent’s Canal between Haggerston and Hoxton. At weekends only, they serve up scooped-out sourdough loaves, stuffed with everything from your standard full English to smoked salmon – topped with some serious #yolkporn. #TeamCoco’s favourite cure if you’ve overindulged the night before.

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Prick

Only in East London would you find a boutique dedicated to cacti and succulents. Inspired by a visit to Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, Gynelle Leon, owner of the brilliantly named Dalston store sources the most unusual and exotic cacti and succulents from across the UK and Europe – selling over 150 species. If you’re a fellow fan of the humble cactus and want to up your home’s Instagram game, we’d recommend heading over to Kingsland Road, sharp.

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Fournier Street

Add a vintage-inspired edge to your Instagram with a stroll around one of Spitalfield’s most sought-after streets. Formerly dilapidated, Fournier Street is now home to some of the city’s most immaculate Georgian mansions. Although restored, the street’s historical architecture is as impressive as ever, with exposed brickwork, fantastic facades, painted doors, and elegant sash windows – the perfect backdrop to any Insta-shot. Don’t forget to snap a shot of 11 and a half Fournier Street, if you can find it!

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Netil 360

You might easily miss this East London hangout’s unassuming entrance, but hidden atop Hackney’s Netil House lies hipster hotspot Netil 360. Overlooking London Fields, this versatile space is open from April and attracts a creative crowd from day to night – with a laid-back lounge vibe, co-working cabins, yoga classes, cinema screenings, and a cafe. Pull up a deck chair and indulge in some seriously Instagrammable views of East London’s skyline.

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Barbican Conservatory

Hidden in the heart of the city’s concrete jungle, lies one of a botanical variety – an Instagrammers oasis within the brutalist walls of The Barbican building. London’s second-largest, the Barbican Conservatory is a lost world of exotic plants, towering palms, and encroaching ivy. It may only be open on selected Sundays and bank holidays, but is free and serves afternoon tea on Sundays (bottomless prosecco optional, but highly recommended – just be sure to book in advance).

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God’s Own Junkyard

There’s no better place to brighten up your grid than this psychedelic slice of Las Vegas out east in Walthamstow. The largest of its kind in Europe, Gods Own Junkyard is a warehouse wonderland showcasing light artist Chris Bracey’s collection of new, retro, and salvaged neon signs – which began with Soho sex shops and have since featured in films like Eyes Wide Shut. Open Friday and Saturday, entry is free.

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Shoreditch Street Art

For all its gentrification, London’s East End is still the home of counterculture – which is why you’ll find some of the city’s best street art here. From Chance Street’s kaleidoscopic colours to Fashion Street’s whimsical murals – a dash down any of Shoreditch’s side streets will turn up alternative artists, from the instantly recognisable Banksy to Eine’s colourful letters and Loretto’s satirical pieces. The art is ever-changing, so join a free tour if you want some insightful information for your captions.

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Beigel Bake

It’s hard to walk down Brick Lane without being beckoned into this East London institution by a waft of their delicious dough. Harder still when they’re open 24/7 – which incidentally, also makes this the place for late-night Shoreditch party-goers looking for sustenance (prepare for an eclectic crowd). Opened in 1974, while this deli’s old-school, no-frills approach may be bemoaned by some, their rainbow bagels are just what your Instagram ordered.

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Columbia Road Flower Market

Every Sunday, this East London road is transformed into an oasis of flowers with everything from potted chilli plants to plumes of peonies spilling over the stalls. Open from 8 am, our advice is to beat the crowds and go early or for closing, if you’re after the best deals. While the market itself may get busy, you can always retreat into the independent shops behind the stalls, which sell an Insta-worthy array of goods, from cupcakes to vintage fashion finds.

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Food & Drink November 9, 2023

Meet the Woman Making Indian Street Food Gourmet

It’s hard to know where to begin if you’re after an Indian meal in London. From busy and bustling chains to central-sitting favourites like the Tandoor Chophouse and back-street family run joints, Indian restaurants sprawl the streets of the capital.

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Dinner is served ?? Yum!! ?: @belle.imaging_food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #thegutsychutney #indiantapas #indiandinner #southindianchef #londonfoodie #keemabruschetta #hungryaf #dinnertime #hungryallthetime #afterworksnacks #afterworkfood #keemacurry #keemanaan #bruschetta #europeantwist #indianfoodwithatwist #redchillies #lovechillies #spicyfood #lovefood #londonfoodie #instafood #instagood #foodphotography #doubletap #followme #likeforlike

A post shared by The Gutsy Chutney (@thegutsychutney) on Sep 30, 2018 at 9:00am PDT

Indian food has, of course, been massively popular for a long while now (chicken tikka masala was actually invented here in the UK, dontcha know), and we’re the last people to complain. It is the food of Saturday nights, feeding us up, tantalising our taste buds and making us feel right at home.

But the thing is, simply stating ‘Indian’ doesn’t quite seem to cut it anymore. Londoners want to know that their seafood dish is inspired by the ports of Kerala and from which street in Gujarat their vegetarian curry is from. In short, we’re getting a bit picky.

Add this desire for detail to an implosion of street food culture and love for tapas-style feasting, and you’ve opened up a whole new gap in the market. That is, Indian street food with a real story.

Recent years have seen eateries which fall under this niche experience an exponential rocketing. Dishoom and the Masala Zone are high-profile examples, as is Soho’s Darjeeling Express – a restaurant founded by Asma Khan which only employs Indian females, recently featured on Netflix’s The Chef’s Table and now has a waiting list for bookings longer than any other restaurant in its vicinity. Impressive, right?

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Just in case you needed reminding ? Food is love! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #southindianfood #indianfood #homemadeindianfood #indiancuisine #indiancooking #loveindian #loveindia #loveindianfood #kerala #keralaindia #indianchef #indianrecipes #traditionalfood #explorenewcultures #trynewfoods #gutsychutney #instagood #londonfoodie #doubletap #foodislove #foodislife #neonsigns #loveneonsigns #neonart

A post shared by The Gutsy Chutney (@thegutsychutney) on Sep 18, 2018 at 10:00am PDT

Move a little out of the spotlight and you’ll see a whole other host of Indian chefs making their mark on the London foodie scene; the latest to jump on the bandwagon is Deepa Nair, host of the Gutsy Chutney.

TGC is yet again different from its Indian counterparts, because it’s a supper club which has been founded to “right the many wrongs” when it came to the way Indian cuisine was being enjoyed and represented in the UK.

Deepa said: “The numerous restaurants serving Indian cuisine never did justice to the phenomenal culinary variety that exists in India, choosing instead to have only the same and more popular dishes on the menu.”

I’m a lover of the informal, homely supper club. Pay a set price, BYOB (often), rock up to a venue (or someone’s home) which you wouldn’t usually visit and enjoy a multiple-course set menu cooked by a passionate cook (who’s also probably spent all day slaving away in an office, a la Deepa). You can’t get much better than that.

It was a rainy Wednesday evening when I went on my way to the latest in TGC’s offerings, and upon arriving at a small pub in the depths of West London, Deepa greeted me warmly.

She had clearly been busy in the kitchen; her scraped back hair and a spice-stained apron which hung from her neck proved that whatever I was about to eat would be a total labour of love.

This latest supper club was to be inspired by the streets of India. How very apt and on-trend. Out in India, every city has its own street food speciality, so Deepa decided to take attendees on a journey.

She started with dahi papdi chaat, a favourite from the state capital Delhi. It is crisp, savoury tarts filled with boiled potato, chickpeas, sauces and sweet yoghurt. It was totally delicious.

Next up Deepa took us over to Eastern Indian with her Momos, a Tibetan take on Chinese dumplings which have now been popularised in Northern and Eastern India as popular street food. They were serving with a seriously fiery chilli sauce, which, as Deepa warned us as it arrived at the table, was very hot. We ate the Momos with chop sticks – a totally authentic experience.

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Feeling for a @calcuttacanteen keema pau and #masalachai in this freezing weather…little one was asked if he wanted less coriander Chutney on his chicken Kati kebab roll: his response – I am Indian, I can take spicy food ?? #proudfoodiemom #soulfood @darjeelingldn

A post shared by The Gutsy Chutney (@thegutsychutney) on Dec 8, 2018 at 2:35am PST

Before enjoying a delicious main meal of chorizo pao (more on that later), we tucked into Kerala bakery egg puffs. This is apparently one of the most popular snacks that you can find in the bakeries of the region. Flaky and buttery pastry is wrapped around boiled eggs with a spicy Kerala onion sauce. Totally different to anything I’ve tried before, but somehow… it worked.

As mentioned, the main was chorizo pao, a spiced up version of the Pao Recheado com Chourico in Portugal, which is bread stuffed with sausages. This is a Goan street food popular during festivals and celebrations, and could be described to be similar to a chorizo burger in a brioche bun. It has the House of Coco stamp of approval.

The evening was concluded with a traditional dessert – Matka kheer, a dish made of creamy vermicelli and served warm or cold. Comfort food at its finest.

READ MORE: The Best of Italian Street Food

Deepa’s evening was totally fabulous; an experience we would recommend endlessly. We’re rather hoping she’ll open up a restaurant at some point in the near future… but in the meantime? Get yourself booked in for her next Gutsy Chutney event on April 26th. It is set to be as mouth-wateringly delicious as ever and will be raising funds for The Hygeine Bank charity. No excuses.

Australia November 9, 2023

Vegan Eats Post-Veganuary in London

So you did Veganuary – congratulations. But are you looking for vegan eats?

Honestly, it’s admirable to successfully commit to no meat, dairy and animal products for the month. Did you find it easier than you thought you would? Did you actually enjoy eating more vegetables and plant-based foods? Did you even feel healthier for it? Whatever your reasons for doing Veganuary, however you felt from it, if you’re looking to continue eating vegan, I’ve got you on this. Discover all of these vegan food spots in London!

The Gate

Hammersmith, Islington, St. John’s Wood

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If you’re looking for a vegan restaurant set up post-January, look no further than The Gate. A vegetarian veteran in the London food business, The Gate has not only served green dishes since it opened 30 years ago, but it is now almost entirely vegan. Think leek and carmelised onion tart; courgette, pumpkin and cauliflower gyoza and aubergine schnitzel. Vegan pancakes and a vegan alternative to the Full English make appearances on the brunch menu and there’s even a fully dedicated vegan supper club menu. Featuring five courses, it even includes paired vegan wines.

Arancini Brothers

Dalston, Ely’s Yard (food truck), Kentish Town, Maltby St, Old St

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Vegan eats don’t get much better than vegan arancini balls. Big Dave and Little Dave met in Australia, learning how to make the popular risotto balls from Sicilian chefs in Melbourne. Arancini Brothers now has five locations across London and as of December 2018, their risotto balls are 100 per cent vegan (and wheat free, in case anyone wanted to know). Not only are the arancini balls delicious (go for the loaded kind, with aubergine and spicy sauces) but the salad wraps and burgers (featuring vegan chorizo) are tasty too. My favourite? The butternut squash, for sure.

Halo Burger

Brixton, Shoreditch

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If you’re continuing being vegan after Veganuary, we have to sort you out with a go-to burger spot. Halo Burger is the UK’s first 100 per cent plant-based burger joint and uses Beyond Meat for its patties. With a newly-opened branch in the heart of Shoreditch, you can now get your vegan burger fix in East London too. Halo Burger’s quarter pounder with cheese uses 99 per cent less water, 93 per cent less land, 90 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions and 46 per cent less energy than the average beef burger – how’s that for a clear conscience?

Pied a Terre

Fitzrovia

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London is certainly not short of fast food vegan spots or vegan cafés so it’s great to show the finer dining style restaurants that are vegan (or mostly so) too. Pied a Terre is not fully vegan but it does offer its guests a competitive number of vegan dishes on its menu and has done so for a while now. The Michelin-starred restaurant has a separate vegan (and vegetarian) menu which offers dishes such as carrot velouté with ginger and pickled celery; spelt risotto with coconut and saffron and lime sorbet. Vegan options are available as both à la carte and a tasting menu.

Crudo Cevicheria

35 Riding House St, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7EA

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Crudo (meaning raw) opened its ceviche shop late last year. The healthy fast food eatery offers diners a range of ceviche bowls, as well as ‘create your own’ options. Veganuary saw Crudo welcome a vegan bowl to the menu – with chickpeas, quinoa, rocoto (peppers), avocado, sweet potato, crispy onion and cassava chips. The option was so popular – between vegans and meat-eaters alike – that the restaurant opted to keep it on the menu for good!

Redemption Bar

Covent Garden, Notting Hill, Shoreditch

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This trendy vegan, sugar-free and wheat free restaurant definitely had to make it on the vegan London list. Post-Veganuary, this micro-chain is a great place to continue your plant-based eating. With dishes such as BBQ kimchi slaw baps; wild mushroom and squash risotto and plant-based mozzarella melts, you’ll soon forget about meat and fish dishes. If you’re a fan of tempeh (Indonesian fermented soy beans in cake-like form), make sure to try the T.L.T; a sandwich/burger situation that will keep you full all day long.

Kalifornia Kitchen

Fitzrovia, Fulham

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Don’t shoot the writer but I prefer Kalifornia Kitchen to the popular by Chloe as far as Instagrammable vegan restaurants go in London. If you enjoyed Veganuary and staying plant-based is your goal, Kalifornia Kitchen is your one-stop vegan shop. Popular plates include the rainbow beetroot carpaccio, buckwheat and banana pancakes with coconut yoghurt and jackfruit tacos. You can get your fill of burgers too – but the restaurant vowed not to be ‘another fast food vegan eatery’ and prides itself on serving healthy dishes. It’s single use plastic-free too!

Genesis

Shoreditch

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If you love London’s vegan street eats but the cold weather is getting to you, Genesis is the café for you. Completely vegan, favourite dishes include fried avocado and jackfruit hoisin tacos – as well as the growing-in-popularity seitan pulled pork. Seitan chicken curry and roasted cauliflower bowls are other popular plant-based meals. Don’t skip out on the desserts either – the ice cream (made from cashews and coconut) is on point.

Farmacy

Notting Hill

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I couldn’t do a vegan restaurants in London round up without including Farmacy – a restaurant which focuses on the connection food has with our bodies. Pro-organic and byodynamic farming, the restaurant’s earth bowls are my go-tos (think spiced buckwheat, daikon kimchee and sumac-roasted aubergine). Tofu Pad Thai and a no-beef burger are also favourites on the menu that promotes plant-based, healthy eating.

Fashion November 9, 2023

Designer Spotlight : Seneca Jewellery

Designer Sarah Jane Bourque’s foundation is her unyielding commitment to excellence forged over 24 years as a professional designer.

Here, she chats to us at House of Coco and tells us more about her journey…

When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
I launched Seneca Jewellery in the fall of 2017. Previously, I was the designer for my former jewellery brand for 15 years. I sold the business to start and grow our family. During that time I thought a lot about my future. I couldn’t stop thinking about what I would create if I were to start another collection and that is how Seneca emerged.

What’s your background?
I studied fashion design at SCAD in Savannah, Georgia and at Woodbury University in Los Angeles; after graduating cum laude, I entered into an emersion program, where I studied haute couture in Paris. I then moved to New York City and was a luxury handbag designer for Barry Kieselstein-Cord. It was there that I was drawn into the magical world of jewellery. My mother was also a jewellery designer who definitely influenced my path as well. Following several wonderful years, I scratched an itch and moved to the desert southwest (Phoenix, Arizona) to start my own jewellery collection — Saint by Sarah Jane. Saint became a national brand for over 12 years and was sold at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales. It was a fun ride!

How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
I am the sole owner and creative director of Seneca Jewellery. I work with top-notch, local artisans and jewellers to create my pieces. As a startup business, I think it is very important that I understand and know how to do every aspect of the business from the accounting, inventory, stone purchasing, designing, marketing, PR and forecasting. Over time, I may loosen the reigns, but for now I do not want to have any potential blind spots.

If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
Nothing that I can think of — perhaps because 12 years at my previous company taught me so much about how to execute and what mistakes to avoid. Also, luckily, I am surrounded by some sharp people who are not afraid to give me their opinion when asked.

What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
The hardest challenge is conveying the how well made the pieces are made – the quality craftsmanship of the collection; trying to build customers’ trust and assure them that the images they are seeing on the website are just as nice and in many cases nicer in person. For now, I embrace the challenge and enjoy the freedom to design for my customers, while not being beholden to corporate America.

Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
I walk 12 miles in the morning, 5 days a week.

2019 is almost here, where do you plan on taking the brand?
I have three main goals this year: 1) continue to build out the collections 2) increase my private clientele with custom pieces and 3) gain more brand recognition.

To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
British Vogue’s and Tatler’s interest in featuring my collections. Also, seeing how proud my children are of me.

Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
Paris. I have so many happy memories there from school and work trips.

Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
Dr. Hauschka’s Eye Balm, IS Clinical Pro Heal Serum and Precious Nature Oil for my hair.

Style means….?
So many things! Style is your mood, your essence, who you are and sometimes who you want to be or what you want to say. The way you dress and carry yourself is your calling card through life. At this stage in my life, style is about dressing to suit my lifestyle. My lifestyle is very active and casual, so I really enjoy simple dressing with pops of luxury.

Best thing about London to you?
The people, I loved the people!

Statement shoe or statement bag?
Statement handbag, but I don’t think I should have to choose!

If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear every day?
A white t-shirt.

Favourite love song?
“Let’s Stay Together,” Al Green

Best place for a coffee?
Home ☺

Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
You can’t change someone. You can only change yourself.

Guilty pleasure?
20 minute naps.

If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to go somewhere in Asia. Perhaps Japan. The Japanese culture intrigues me.

In the future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
One happy customer at a time! As my customer base continues to expand, I will continually re-assess Seneca Jewellery’s growth, with quality and craftsmanship being non-negotiable.

Find out more…

https://senecajewelry.com

Instagram: @senecajewelry

Twitter: @senecajewelry

Facebook:Seneca Jewelry

Australia November 9, 2023

Girlbosses of Great Britain : From Overalls to Overall Success with Amanda Marshall at 3 Donkeys

Amanda Marshall is the founder of 3 Donkeys, a company that she runs whilst juggling life as a mother to 5 children. She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, literally, and the company was born out of a frustration with the lack of products on the market for women who work hard in farms and stables.

She carried out market research and had numerous conversations with other females that she knew in similar working environments – farming, equestrian, dog walking, gardening – even painters & decorators. It soon became clear there was a gap in the market – and demand was high and that is when she decided to launch 3 Donkeys.

So, in 2017, she set about designing a coverall that was totally practical, adaptable, and versatile, looked good and kept her clean too. And, as they say, the rest is history.

Here, Amanda tells us more about animals being her therapy, her plans for the future and more…

Q) Tell us about the journey that lead to you launching 3 Donkeys

My 3 Donkeys journey started shortly after the birth of my 3rd child Roberta in April 2007. Alongside my rather eclectic mix of animals (horses, alpacas, donkeys, to name a few) I had a small flock of Shetland sheep and during lambing I practically lived in coveralls, they were the conventional men’s all-in-ones. It was a constant struggle to remove them in a hurry and they were the worst fitting clothes I have ever worn. I looked for a women’s alternative and could only find a slightly better fitting version of the men. This however did not solve the ‘removing in a hurry’ issue. It was at that point that my design first, popped into my head. However, family life got in the way and my design was put to the back of my mind for another day.

Fast forward to 2017 and I started to notice more women asking on social media about a ‘true alternative’ to men’s coveralls. After extensive searching on the internet both nationally and globally, it soon became apparent that no one had produced one. I asked as many women as I dared without releasing exactly what I had planned and with the help of a some amazing friends and a few skype meetings between Devon and Australia, my design was a reality and ready for the legal journey of registering etc and the task of thinking of a name started in Ernest. Anyway with the rejected name pile growing and no obvious name jumping out at me, the same friend who helped on the skype callssaw a post on my personal Facebook profile of my donkeys Teabag, Woolley and Dave running off (in the opposite direction that I wanted!) and messaged me with, ‘what about 3 Donkeys?’.

It immediately clicked for me because we are a family business and although only Teabag and Dave are related (mother and son) , the 3 Donkeys are like a family unit. Donkeys are also known for being doggedly hardworking, like our coveralls.

2017 and 2018 saw many prototypes during development for trials. It was made harder because of the fact that it was a completely new concept for coveralls, with the full length waist zip allowing for not only easy removal but being able to wear the jacket and trousers independently and the fact that I wanted to be able to zip them together when wearing them. They were trialled extensively by women not only in farming, but at stable yards, competitions, dog walkers and gardening. I finally had a coverall which was functional, versatile and feminine.

Q) Talk us through an average day in your life…

An average day in my life starts with 3 school runs. I have 5 children ranging from 6-year-old twin boys, 2 daughters (12 &16) and my oldest son who is 18 (and about to start his university journey). Followed by posting stories on our social media profiles. I am very fortunate that I have lovely friends who help me with my animals, which allows me to concentrate on 3 Donkeys. Mornings are generally spent catching up with emails, discussing what is on the daily to do list with my parents who are also an integral part of the business, this mostly fuelled by cups of Tea. I usually head into my shed or 3DHQ as my children named it, in the afternoon sorting out stock, packing orders and jotting down new ideas. The afternoon school runs often come around far too quickly followed by sorting out supper and helping with homework. Sitting around the kitchen table to eat is one of my favourite times of the day as I love to hear what everyone has been up to.

Q) Do you plan on expanding the range in the future?

I currently have tall and petite versions of the classic in development with the hope to release them a little later this year.

Q) Your business was founded because you couldn’t find this product on the market. What research did you. Do before launching?

I spent time researching in shops (mainly agricultural and equestrian), extensively online both on uk sites and global ones and the uk intellectual property office. I also asked many women who use coveralls, finding out what would be on their coveralls Wishlist.

Q) Looking back, is there anything you would do differently?

There are so many things that I would do differently now, however at the time I knew nothing about the industry or indeed the process and started my manufacturing journey visiting Manchester and many of thefabric manufacturers there, which fortunately led onto meeting our pattern cutter and in turn our coverall manufacturer.

Q) Being eco-friendly and sustainability is important to you, can you tell us more about your mission…

I really believe that we all have a duty to be as eco-friendly as possible. With this in mind our packaging is plastic free and reusable, recyclable or compostable. Our coveralls are all made in Britain using the best materials possible – for example our Dartmoor coveralls are made from 100% Ventile® weatherproof cotton and are made to last, thus reducing our fashion footprint.

Q) Who is your ideal customer?

Our ideal customer is someone who has the desire to keep their clothes clean and dry but not compromise on quality, style or femininity, at work or leisure.

Q) Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

I love to travel and one day I hope to see more of America and visit a rodeo along the way.

Q) What does self-care mean to you?

I have found starting 3 Donkeys® to be a real emotional rollercoaster, especially with my lack of business knowledge and starting from the bottom. I am very fortunate that I can go and spend time with my horse Tia and labradoodle Hattie when I need some Me time, to relax and refocus. Animals really are the best therapy.

Q) What quote do you like to read when you’re lacking motivation?

The quote I often tell myself is ‘If you opt for a safe life, you will never know what it’s like to win’ by Sir Richard Branson. It always helps spur me on when I need a little motivation.

Q) What are your plans for the brand in 2020?

My main goal for 3 Donkeys® during 2020 is for our brand awareness to continue growing as it has done, I always have so many ideas of new design features and materials to use which will come along as we grow. I really am excited for what this year holds.

Find out more about Amanda and 3 Donkeys…

Our website www.3donkeys.co.uk and across our social media pages @3donkeysclothing.

Lifestyle November 9, 2023

4 Great day trips for nursing home residents

When you think of England, amazing day trips are probably not the first thing that springs to mind. But the tiny little piece of landmass in the Atlantic actually boasts some beautiful and idyllic landscapes. Spread out across the country, and there is no shortage of places that are beautiful and naturally stunning.

Organizing a day trip for residents of a nursing home can be stressful. We have made this list of our top 4 favourite day trip locations across the United Kingdom to make that task just a little bit easier. With the rising amount of news stories on nursing home neglect, this can be a great way to show the families of your residents that you care about the health of their loved ones. A day trip to any of these beautiful spots and some fresh air feels great, no matter what the age or situation.

Porthcurno – Lands End

This is perhaps the countries most idyllic bay, the beautiful granite cliffs are covered in lichen, and the sand is spectacularly white. Popular with families, at low tide, you can walk between the different beaches and sit on sandbars whilst watching the blue water roll in against the old cliff castle of Treryn Dinas.

Blackpool Sands

In the south of Dartmouth lies the gorgeous shingled coastline of Blackpool sands. The water that comes in here is turquoise clear and very calm. Because of this, it has become a great destination for families, and you can hire a kayak or a paddleboard and explore the coastline. If you don’t feel that adventurous, bask in the sunlight on the golden beach and go for a dip in the calm, beautiful water.

Formby

The dunes at Formby in Lancashire are actually protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. From their peaks, you can easily see the Cumbrian Mountains. The walkway to get to this perfect spot is surrounded by pinewood trees. As you walk in, you can even visit the red squirrel reserve. This vast stretch of beach is perfect for those who like their own space as you can set up your towel with no one in sight. The sunsets here are particularly spectacular.

Lunan Bay

Lunan Bay is technically in Scotland, but we had to include it here as it is one of the most gorgeous spots in the whole of the United Kingdom. Overlooked by an ancient castle, these dunes and the 2 mile stretch of red sand are just breathtaking to look at. The area is immensely popular with birdwatchers, too, with hundreds flocking to the spot every week. Surfers and riders also frequent this beach too, with high waves and riding tracks to please everyone. The sands here have a rosy tint, and due to the type of rock here, you can often find precious stones like agate and jasper just lying in the sand. Make sure you are careful swimming here, though, as the currents are very strong.

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

#CocoFood; Wine Tasting 101

As you may know #TeamCoco are a bunch of foodies, no matter where we are in the world, alongside our passion for travel and adventure, is a need for cuisine; whether that be street food, canapés or a seven course Michelin star taster menu. Yet, there is one thing that tends to go in hand with each meal… drinks. From coffee to champagne, the right drink can make or break the food you’re eating.

The main drink that trips us up however is wine. Whether you’re in a bar, restaurant or fancy establishment, you are normally presented with a glass of the wine in which you are expected to commence the see, swill, smell and sample routine. For a while we had no idea what we were actually doing and if you’re thinking ‘I literally have no idea what I’m meant to do’ then keep on reading! As to master this little trick has widened our horizons and has totally changed our perspective on wine and our palette!

The traditional explanation of this routine is that you are tasting the wine to make sure it’s not corked, which is odd nowadays as this rarely occurs and also seems a bit pointless if the bottle doesn’t even have a cork… Originally the ‘head’ of the table tasted the wine to prove that it is safe to drink, which is why the person buying the wine is usually presented it first.

So with these two points essentially being null, why do we still go through this little ritual? Well its all part of the experience. Swirling the glass draws oxygen into the glass and aerates the wine, enhancing the scent. Smelling the wine allows you to draw on certain ingredients within the wine which will essentially intensify the flavour.

Swirling the glass also makes the wine slosh around, leaving residue on the sides of the glass, this is because the wine is evaporating. It’s at this point people utter phrase ‘it’s got good legs’ which for us was a moment where we would just nod and agree.

The legs of are the droplets left on the side of the glass after you have swirled the wine. The legs often indicate two things; alcohol content and sweetness. The more droplets the higher the alcohol content, which often results in a warmer sensation in your throat after drinking. The slower the droplets drip down the glass, the sweeter the wine.

After these little assessments is when you take the first sip, simply take a sip, open your mouth slightly and let the wine rest in your mouth for a few seconds to let it oxidise and release its aromas and flavour before closing your mouth. This is your chance to speak up and let them know if the wine is not to your taste, is faulty or has been corked, if you leave it until you’ve drank half your glass, the waiter/sommelier won’t take you seriously. If you think it’s great then let them know and drink up!

These few tips are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to wine tasting so if you truly want to be a wine connoisseur, then we definitely recommend booking a wine tasting session!

If you’re lucky enough to escape for some winter sun, you are bound to find family vineyards, authentic wineries and more! If not then although the UK may not be the first place that comes to mind for a wine tasting but the cold winter months can be the perfect time to discover a new hobby and finally master the art of wine tasting.

Fashion November 9, 2023

Designer Spotlight : Anne Poon

Anne Poon’s jewellery presents the concept for how to integrate the new and old materials with a refreshing & simplistic design approach. It is not just about making new beautiful things with new materials, it is more about going back to the wild vintage stores, old bead stores and reviving these forgettable, discontinued but treasurable gems. Simply because for one reason: they arouse imaginations. They deserve better, and she wants to bring these inspirations back to life.

Here, she tells us more…

When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
I don’t remember exactly when- I just started making jewellery back in 2005 as an outlet to unleash my creativity- at some point I designed so much that I just decided to launch a website to share my passion. And then the response was good and that encouraged me to keep going.

Whats your background?
My background is in Architecture and I am still practicing as an architectural designer. My past experiences have involved different building types, from high rise tower, hotel, villa to now single family custom home. Somehow it seems very different from jewellery design but indeed it shares some similarities, like understanding human scale, proportions, texture and aesthetics. It strikes a very good balance to me.

How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
There is no one else- I play every role from design, sourcing, making, styling, photographing, marketing and the packaging. I learn a great deal from every single aspect and I strongly believe this is very important for a designer to understand this entire process. But of course I really hope someday I don’t have to do them all!

If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
I would have started my business without a full time job. Though I am still treating my business like a hobby, I have no regrets on that and intend to keep that vibe going. Or else I won’t be able to stay true to myself.

What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
A few…I suck at marketing; this is the biggest challenge to me, I just have a super thin skin. I constantly have to remind myself from switching a designer position to a business woman position.

Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
can’t wear my earrings cos I don’t have my ears pierced anymore. They were pierced when I was a kid and found they were super annoying from not getting infected. From time to time, people always have the same reaction when they discover I don’t have my ears pierced.

To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
The highlight has been invited to a jewellery exhibition show in Milan this February and also being interviewed by House of Coco Magazine! The Milan show was a three days exhibition with other 120 designers from everywhere in the world. It was very touching when you see your works being seriously treated like an art work in the gallery. That moment I dropped a tear and thought ‘wow, look at what you did.’

Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
I don’t think I have spent enough time in the above cities to make that call, though I always crave to go back to know better. A homey feeling is another story. Besides my origin, Hong Kong, I would say San Francisco (currently my residence) feels mostly my home.

Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
Powder Blush, eyebrow brush and eye cream.

Style means….?
Style means just being yourself, I also feel to stay true and be able to understand yourself is very important.

Best thing about London to you?
The art & the history, AND Alexander McQueen.

Statement shoe or statement bag?
Neither, I care more a jewellery piece than bags or shoes. Sometimes I feel like I am a dude who just wants to walk out the house with an iphone and a credit card.

If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear everyday?
Jumpsuit, that’s a no brainer.

Favourite love song?
Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi. It is not really a love song, but I switch my favourite love song all the time.

Best place for a coffee?
The best coffee will take place at my good friend’s place or just home-made by my hubby.

Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
Don’t listen to people’s advices; all you need to listen is your heart.

Guilty pleasure?
Spend an afternoon on a stack of art/fashion/design magazines, complement with a giant bag of the Japanese Calbee BBQ potato chips, just lie on my couch and do nothing else.

In future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
Since I suck so much in marketing & business development, I need to either find a business partner or beat myself up to work on it.

Find out more…

Website: www.annepoon.com

Instagram: @capoon

Boss Boys November 9, 2023

#BossBoy Interview with Robin Waite Talking All Things Coaching and Beyond

Robin Waite is a Business coach who flips the script, one that doesn’t fit in to the slick, sharp suited, maybe a little flash stereotypical coach box.

That’s not his style.

He believes that what you say is more important than how you dress – and he’s more interested in delivering real results than impressing you with his image. It was this ethos that made him stand out to us here at House of Coco and we had to go along to find out more. His coaching approach is different as he combines creativity with logical, analytical and objective thinking to help you see your business in a fresh light. To us, Robin sounds like a breath of fresh air. Here’s what we chatted about…

Tell us about the journey you had which lead to you becoming a coach?
I originally trained as a systems analyst but saw an opportunity to start up my own marketing agency in 2004. We grew that business through the recession up until 2016 when I fell out of love with the business. I ended up having a breakdown and needed a shift in direction. It was during that period and the birth of my second daughter, Sophie, that I took 3 months off, spoke to several mentors and founded my coaching practice, Fearless Business. I recognised so many “symptoms” in other business owners that I had experienced in myself during my marketing agency days that I realised I could help other people avoid the burn out I’d experienced by getting more focused on product, pricing and sales.

People hiring coaches is still quite a new thing in the UK, unlike the US, for anyone on the fence, what advice would you give for anyone thinking about hiring you?
Whether it’s me or another coach, it’s worthwhile taking the time to do your due diligence. The coaching industry is totally unregulated in the UK, and so the market is filled with sharks. If you’re looking for a coach, ask for references, look at their qualifications and/or experience, what industries they’ve worked within, the results they get with their existing clients and how generous they are with the value they offer.

Personally, I’ve invested £10,000s into my own coaches and mentors. I can safely say that this investment in education is one of the best I’ve ever made.

What does 2020 look like for you?
We’ll be expanding the Fearless Business coaching team and scale the Accelerator program up to enrol 10+ students per month. We’ve niched down quite heavily on who we want to help so having a selection process for clients means that we get the best results for those who successfully apply.

For me personally, enrolling more coaches means I can step back from day-to-day delivery and focus on business growth and development, and take a bit of time out to go surfing.

Looking back on your career, is there anything you would have done differently?
I wish I’d started my first business sooner. When I finished A-Levels in 2000 starting a business was alien and I didn’t know what else to do aside from go to University. That ended up being quite costly financially and I feel I missed the dot com boom. However, we did ride the crest of the wave when we did finally set the agency up in 2004 during my final year at Uni.

I’d strongly encourage anyone in school, leaving school or considering Uni to think about starting up their own business. There’s no better time than now!

I certainly don’t regret selling my agency but at the time it was the right thing to do, in handing it over to someone who had the energy to take it on and grow it again.

Personally, I am always trying to encourage people to earn beach money where they don’t just exchange time for money. How do you advise people on this?
We encourage our clients to charge based on outcomes and results, no matter what they do. In short, you need to be able to work out the return on investment that your clients will get through working with you and charge accordingly. Unfortunately, most people fear rejection, and so they force their conversion rates up by dropping their prices. This means they end up on the “sales cycle of doom” – too many clients and not earning enough money. A good conversion rate is 1 in 5 up to 1 in 3, any higher than 30% and you are likely pricing yourself too cheaply.

However most small business owners struggle to articulate their value. Which means they don’t know how to explain their offer which means they struggle to sell their products/services. So we encourage/help our clients to refine their offer/product, increase their prices and sell “packages” instead of hours and finally nail down their sales process.

You have a 12 week accelerator programme that has helped people get amazing results. Who is this suited to?
The Fearless Business Accelerator is designed for anyone who sells a time-for-money service, but more specifically coaches, consultants and freelancers. Provided they are already getting leads in their business we teach our students how to maximise those opportunities when they pop up.

What advice would you give for any aspiring coaches out there?
It’s called a coaching “practice” for a reason, so you need to just start coaching and get practice. We always recommend new coaches run their first three clients for free in exchange for testimonials, case studies, and reviews. It also means the pressure is off financially on both parties and allows the budding coach to grow as a coach, work out their own style and understand who they can help and the sort of results their clients can expect.

From there, then refine your coaching programme, introduce a starter package (focussed on the transformation and outcome) and then start learning sales. You should be a sponge about all things sales!

You offer a free discovery call, what are you looking for when you have your initial chats?
We are looking for prospects who are passionate about what they do, we look at how much determination they’ve got to achieve their own goals. We are NOT interested in people who are looking for silver bullet marketing tactics, quick wins or for Fearless Business to get them clients. That’s not what we do. When we enrol a client they understand that they are investing in their education as a coach around growing a successful coaching practice. Education which they can’t un-learn, hence why it is an investment of both time and money.

If you weren’t a coach, what do you think you would be doing?
I can’t imagine doing anything else other than coaching! I’ve got plans to write a couple more books, so when I’m not growing Fearless Business I’m either writing, surfing or cycling or spending time with my girls.

Find out more…

You can find out more about me personally at https://robinwaite.com or we’ve got a ton of free resources available at https://fearless.biz – If you’d like a free copy of Robin’s bestselling book, Take Your Shot, you can head on over to https://fearless.biz/tyspromo/ and apply for your copy. In the UK we’ll send you a paperback, if you’re overseas you’ll be able to get a PDF download of the book.

We’ve got a great FB community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OnlineBizStartup/

And if LinkedIn is your thing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinmwaite/